cross/sparks

cross/sparks is an international forum supporting the exchange of ideas concerned with the visual arts produced by contemporary creatives whose investigations are rooted in the Caribbean. This artist-led initiative aims to spark a shift in the discourse surrounding visual production by placing attention on the work itself as well as on issues of importance surrounding the production of art intra- and extra-regionally. With this focus on the visual, cross/sparks aims to present a series of on- and off-line collaborative projects intuitively designed to encourage networking with critical and/or creative writers whose interests intersect within this interactive environment. Building on the Caribbean’s position as the world’s first globalized space, the potential of cross/sparks is to share information/experience and ignite conversations across the globe. Projects will include shaping critical platforms within the context of academic conferences; artist residencies and workshops; and other curated initiatives to stimulate exchange between artists and writers. These dynamic events will be continually supported by an on-line archive of published and new articles / podcasts about the visual arts as well as through cross/words, an informal forum for discussion on issues that directly impact contemporary Caribbean artists practicing inside and outside of the region. cross/sparks acknowledges the presence of an array of indigenous artist-led initiatives throughout the Caribbean region and is keen to forge strong ties with these vital entities by generating intra-Caribbean and diasporic projects. The cross/sparks initiative actively demonstrates that a rich contemporary art practice exists in the Caribbean and its diaspora.

cross/sparks is an independent initiative organized by visual artists, Annalee Davis and Joscelyn Gardner.